Discourses of Rumi

FIHI MA FIHI V 73“It has no shape,” said the philosopher. “It isindescribable.”“If it is indescribable, then how can you lookfor it?” the theologian demanded.“All I know,” answered the philosopher, “isthat when health arrives I grow in strength. Ibecome plump, fresh and alive.”“From illness we learn of health,” said the theologian.“From what is describable we learn ofwhat is indescribable. Now abandon your doubtingways and I will return you to your vital self.”Though spiritual truth is inscrutable, still weall benefit from it through the embodiment ofform. Just as you see the changes brought by thestars, moon and sun turning in the sky, the rainfrom clouds in due season, summer and winter,and all the transformations of time. You see allthese things happen, and know that it is right andin accordance with wisdom. But how does thatdistant cloud know it is necessary to rain at itsappointed time? Or how does this earth, when itreceives a seed, know to return it tenfold? Well,Someone does this. Behold that Someone throughthe embodiment of this world, and find nourish-